WEEE Collection Request
University of Cambridge departments can request a free collection of e-waste (WEEE). Further detail, and collection request forms, can be found on this page.
Before you apply for a collection
There are a few things to consider before applying for a collection:
- The WEEE collection service is only for items which are (or were) purchased by the University and cannot be used for personal (i.e. staff) items of WEEE - staff should be encouraged to dispose of these free of charge at their local recycling centre, or via large electronics retailers.
- For an example list of wastes which can be collected through the e-waste collection service, click here.
- Before requesting a collection please ensure you're following the guidance further down this page, on proper storage and separation of your e-waste.
- Could your items be re-used internally before disposal? For items which are still in a usable condition, consider sharing these on WARPit, the University's free online tool for swapping items between departments. For laboratory equipment which is usable but can't be redistributed internally, you may wish to consider using UniGreenScheme.
- Where possible, all data and licensed software should be removed prior to collection, however hard disks will be data wiped and/or physically disabled by the contractor to prevent access to any remaining data. Further details on the process taken for data-bearing items is outlined in the box further down this page.
- Where possible, accompany your collection form with photos of the items. This will help the contractor assess the vehicle type and space needed to collect the items, and reduce the risk of missed collections.
- The disposal of any equipment bearing an 'Asset Register' sticker should be arranged through the Service Desk to ensure that all equipment is correctly logged prior to disposal. (Contact: service.desk@admin.cam.ac.uk / Tel 32999).
Collection request forms
To request a collection, please complete the form below and return this to sustainability@admin.cam.ac.uk. Where possible, include a photo or photos of your collection with your request form.
| WEEE collection request form. |
If the equipment has been exposed internally or externally to any hazardous materials (for instance biological or chemical substances), please see the decontamination form below, and submit a copy with your collection request:
| WEEE decontamination form |
If you have any queries about the above process, contact sustainability@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Further guidance on e-waste
Confidential electronic data
Destruction of confidential electronic data and disposal of WEEE waste is handled by our certified contractor according to the appropriate compliance standards and guidelines. For general information about what happens to your electronic waste, please visit the Computer Disposals Limited (CDL) website. For more detail download this document. The 'in house' data sanitisation process described in this document is carried out as standard on all e-waste collected from the University by CDL. Departments requiring 'on site' destruction can request this at an extra cost - if this is required, please fill out a collection form as normal (see above) and specify in your email that you would like on site destruction.
Storing equipment before collection
In 2011 the Environment agency introduced Regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, which states that businesses who import, produce, collect, transport, recover or dispose of waste must take all reasonable measures to apply the waste hierarchy when the waste is transferred.
Many clients take the view that once equipment has left the desk it is destined for recycling or landfill. This is far from the truth and CDL boast 65% reuse and 0% landfill. Despite this, there's much you can do to increase levels of reuse and recycling. These simple changes can be made in house, to help prolong the life span of your IT equipment:
- Provide safe, dry storage areas (ideally indoors) with suitable shelving to reduce damage (see below for note on storage equipment).
- Educate staff / porters on how to remove and handle equipment.
- Refrain from stripping or cannibalising equipment.
- Request more frequent collections if storage is limited or get in touch directly to discuss alternative storage solutions.
- Use TFT covers to protect screens. These can be provided free of charge via CDL.
Dependent upon your site requirements, CDL can help you to provide storage equipment free of charge in order to preserve the condition of your used equipment. The following can be provided if required, if so please specify this with your collection request.
- Collapsible Pallet Boxes
- Battery Tubs (Please note that there are specific requirements around battery storage)
- Laptop Crate
- Wheeled Cage
Separation of 'data bearing' items
In order to allow CDL and the university to comply with the latest GDPR legislation, CDL will be recording a count of all Data Bearing Items. In order to assist CDL with this task we ask that any Data Bearing items are segregated from other WEEE waste. A list of Data Bearing Items and Non Data Bearing Items can be found below;
Data bearing items
- CD/ DVDs / Data Tapes / Hard Drives / USB Pens
- Electrical Testing Equipment
- EPOS / All point of sale equipment
- Fax machines
- MAC Equipment
- Mobile Phones
- Network Equipment (e.g., network switches)
- PC accessories (e.g. external hard drives, keyboards, mice etc.)
- PCs
- Photocopiers
- Plasma / LCD screens / Security Monitors
- Printers / Plotters
- Scanners Laptops / Netbooks
- Servers
- Tablets / iPads / PDA’s
- Telephones / Phone Systems
- VCRs / DVD Player / DVR's / Digital receiver boxes.
Non-Data bearing items
- Cables (e.g., network cables, VGA cables, power lead etc.)
- CRT Monitors / TFTs
- Electrical Laboratory Equipment (including Ultra-Low temperature/‘-80’ freezers)
- Electrical Testing Equipment
- Kitchen Appliances
- Laptop accessories (e.g. Docking stations, carry cases etc.)
- Mice, Keyboards
- Network Equipment (e.g., network switches)
- Ovens / Microwaves / Industrial coffee machines
- PC/AV security cages / PC security cables
- Plasma / LCD screens / Security Monitors
- Printer accessories (e.g. paper trays, finishing units etc.)
- Projectors, AV Equipment, Video cameras
- Security Cameras / Photographic equipment
- Server racks / Server Rails
- Speakers / Other Audio Equipment
- Standard fridge / Double Fridge / Display Cabinets (with accompanied decontamination forms)
- Toner Cartridges
- UPS Units, UPS Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries
- Vending machines / Hot food cabinets
- Washing Machines / Dishwashers
- White Boards / Media Boards.